Having spent over a decade working for the Australian Defence Force, veteran Davina Mansfield has always been passionate about giving back to her community. Her dedication to bringing about change is reflected in the various projects she is involved in to help veterans and their families.
Now serving as the Chief Operating Officer for Australian-based, sovereign-owned cyber technology company Viden, Davina shares insights on how veterans can explore new and exciting career opportunities in industries like cyber, as well as some of the skills and resources that can help them make the switch.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up on a farm in Delaney’s Creek, Queensland with my parents and younger brother. In 2001, I joined the Royal Australian Dental Corps and served this great nation for 5 years. After I was discharged, I spent the next 12+ years in peacekeeping and humanitarian deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
What inspired you to transition to a career in cyber and how did you make the change?
Since my time working at the ADF, my role has changed to a proud and supportive defence spouse with my husband, Jack Mansfield, and our sons when we moved to Canberra 7 years ago. Prior to moving, my work history has always been dependent on our location. After being discharged from the army, I wanted to keep our family happy and safe on the home front. I also shifted my mindset to say yes to every new opportunity and continue to learn and upskill. The diversity of jobs, opportunities, and industries that Canberra offered supported me with this, and my role with Viden was one of those moments of just saying “yes”.
I know my strengths, and I had to make them work for me when I made the change. I’m not technical, but I am an exceptional organiser, networker, and people person. For the past 4 years, I have worked for Viden, which has a professional development allowance in each employment package. I used this to complete the Director’s course through the Australian Institute of Company Directors which has been instrumental in my business acumen. I am also completing my MBA through UNSW Sydney AGSM. Apart from this, podcasts, industry newsletters, events and networking were also helpful in navigating through the cyber landscape.
I was recently promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Viden for a team of 50. I have enjoyed the challenges our team has faced while transitioning from the ‘start-up’ phase to where we are now. The defence industry feels like home, and every day I cross paths with individuals from my previous roles and service.
What are you currently working on and how is this making a difference in the veteran workforce space?
Viden’s workforce is 70% veteran, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference! With all our policies and procedures, our team is at the forefront of decision-making. Viden has a social contract that we have made to ourselves to always pay things forward, and we embrace each opportunity to do so and give back to the community. Our team participates in resume writing classes for Defence kids, while also engaging in other activities such as Boeing Australia’s mentoring programs and Pathways networking events from time to time.
Defence and Cyber are both industries that need talent and variety, and I’m one such example of how you can have a second career after uniform life. The skills and experiences that veterans gather from their time in uniform are highly desirable and often understated. Companies like Viden and many others have realised the value of the veteran workforce. Work ethic, professionalism and teamwork are all qualities that can be transferred to cyber.
Congratulations on your recent appointment as an Ambassador for Soldier On. Can you please explain what this ambassadorship entails?
Soldier On’s network of family, service and celebrity Patrons and Ambassadors helps create awareness of the challenges and triumphs of our veteran community. My circle of friends and family are all connected to Defence, veterans and serving members. The veteran community is my community, and I was honoured to be nominated and appointed as an ambassador for this cause.
Viden is a platinum edge partner with Soldier On, and my role enables me to advocate for its services. Demonstrating what one can achieve out of uniform and still serve our nation is a powerful message and opportunity, and a privilege that I am grateful for.
Do you have any advice for people and/or veterans considering a career in cyber?
Keep learning and always be curious. Cyber means different things to different people, and a career change is always possible if you have the right mindset.
Life after Defence can be daunting, especially if it’s all you have known. Understand your strengths, identify your weaknesses, and turn them into opportunities. Continue upskilling and seek a mentor to bounce ideas off if you need to. Sometimes, all you need to do is just ask, and you will be surprised by the generosity of people to share their stories over a cup of coffee.
